In a high-stakes IPL 2025 Eliminator, the five-time champions Mumbai Indians showed their playoff pedigree yet again by outclassing Gujarat Titans by 20 runs to storm into Qualifier 2. Led by a captain’s knock from Rohit Sharma, MI posted a daunting 228/5 and then backed it up with disciplined bowling at the death to restrict GT to 208/6 in a thrilling encounter at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
Rohit Sharma Sets the Tone with a Classic Knock
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, MI were off to a flier thanks to Rohit Sharma’s scintillating 81 off 50 balls. The seasoned opener looked in sublime touch, finding boundaries at will and keeping the scoreboard ticking. He stitched a 72-run stand with Jonny Bairstow, who chipped in with a quickfire 47 off 22 balls, laced with 5 fours and 3 sixes.
Suryakumar Yadav added crucial middle-over acceleration with a breezy 33 from 20 deliveries, while a late cameo by Tilak Varma ensured MI breached the 220-run mark. Despite some resistance from Sai Kishore (2/42) and Prasidh Krishna (2/53), MI’s batting lineup proved too powerful on the day.
GT’s Brave Chase Falls Short
Chasing 229 was never going to be easy, but Gujarat Titans started with intent. Sai Sudharsan anchored the innings with a classy 80 off 49 balls, keeping GT’s hopes alive. Washington Sundar played a blistering hand with 48 off just 24 balls, injecting momentum during the middle overs.
However, tight death bowling from Jasprit Bumrah (1/27) and the crucial 18th over by Gerald Coetzee swung the game decisively in Mumbai’s favor. Coetzee’s pinpoint yorkers and deceptive slower balls stifled GT’s late charge, ultimately proving to be the turning point.
Despite late fireworks from Sherfane Rutherford (24 off 15), GT fell short by 20 runs, bringing their IPL 2025 journey to a heartbreaking end.
Bumrah, Coetzee Hold Nerves at the Death
The experienced Jasprit Bumrah delivered a masterclass in pressure bowling, conceding just 27 runs from his four overs. His key breakthroughs and unwavering accuracy were instrumental in choking GT’s chase. Coetzee, although expensive earlier, redeemed himself with a brilliant 19th over, effectively sealing the win for MI.
What’s Next?
With this win, Mumbai Indians advance to Qualifier 2 where they will face Punjab Kings on June 1, 2025. The winner of that clash will go on to challenge the table-toppers Royal Challengers Bangalore in the grand finale of IPL 2025.
Social Media Reactions
The cricket world was buzzing as #MIvsGT trended across platforms. Fans celebrated Rohit Sharma’s return to form and praised the team’s tactical execution in crunch moments.
“RCB fans watching Mumbai Indians get into top form just before IPL finals,” joked a fan on X (formerly Twitter).
“Sai Sudharsan’s 80 goes in vain as Mumbai Indians seal a 20-run win in the Eliminator,” noted @mipaltan.
Even Star Sports joined in the action, reminding fans of MI’s consistency in the playoffs with their tweet:
“Mumbai Indians in every IPL playoffs: #Pushpa2OnZeeCinema #MIvsGT”
Match Summary
Mumbai Indians: 228/5 (20 overs)
- Rohit Sharma – 81 (50)
- Jonny Bairstow – 47 (22)
- Suryakumar Yadav – 33 (20)
- Sai Kishore – 2/42 (4), Prasidh Krishna – 2/53 (4)
Gujarat Titans: 208/6 (20 overs)
- Sai Sudharsan – 80 (49)
- Washington Sundar – 48 (24)
- Sherfane Rutherford – 24 (15)
- Jasprit Bumrah – 1/27 (4), Gerald Coetzee – 1 key over at death
Final Word
Mumbai Indians’ legacy of performing under pressure continues. With a blend of experience and youth, they now gear up for another do-or-die clash in Qualifier 2. As for Gujarat Titans, it’s a season of “so near, yet so far,” but they’ll undoubtedly return stronger in IPL 2026.
Stay tuned for the epic clash between MI and PBKS on June 1, where a place in the IPL 2025 Final will be at stake.
